Las Vegas Raiders have an obvious roster move to make after game-winning performance in Week 2 vs. Chargers from an unlikely hero
The Las Vegas Raiders had a game in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but no one stood out more than wide receiver Cody White.
The Las Vegas Raiders may have found something special in wide receiver Cody White, who was elevated from the practice squad for the second straight week and delivered one of the biggest performances in their 26-14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
White, elevated from the practice squad, finished with 2 catches for 24 yards and 2 touchdowns against Los Angeles, following a Week 1 performance in which he made a chase-down special teams tackle that saved a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.
Every time White caught the ball in this one, it was a touchdown. He averaged 12 yards per catch, and his two scores came in very different ways. The first was a contested catch that may end up being one of the catches of the year so far. The second was a wide-open find over the end zone from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins carried Las Vegas through the air
The Raiders’ win came on the backs of both the offense and the defense, but it was a passing-game victory. Cousins went 19/29 with 3 touchdowns and an interception that really wasn’t his fault, as Tre Tucker slipped and fell. The running game was nonexistent, with 29 carries for 57 yards. The Chargers did a good job stopping the run.
Tucker had 5 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown of his own, but White stole the show with his efficiency. Cousins is now the first quarterback since Kenny Stabler to throw 3 touchdowns in both Week 1 and Week 2.
White may have earned a 53-man roster spot
White shouldn’t have to be elevated every week at this point. He’s shown up in a major way two weeks in a row. Last week it was the chase-down tackle on special teams. This week it was 2 touchdowns. You can’t ask for any more out of a guy who is pretty much a special teams player. As soon as he scored, he went right back on kick coverage to try to make a stop.
Some of White’s production came on plays where he was schemed open through play action, so it’s fair to say you shouldn’t put a whole lot of stock into the separation itself. But regardless, he made the plays. The contested-catch touchdown in particular showed something beyond the scheme. That was a genuine play by the receiver.
The Raiders have a player here who contributes on special teams and can produce when given offensive snaps. White may have earned himself a spot on the 53-man roster, so the Raiders don’t have to keep elevating him every game. Based on how he’s played over the first two weeks, he deserves it.
